Peace for Kashmir: A Worldview, Psychological Intervention

Abstract

This paper reviews the current situation in Kashmir, the historical roots of the conflict and considers the possibilities for peace in the region. Given the nuclear arms proliferation in the region, war can have devastating outcomes not just for the people in the region but also for the people and the ecology of our planet. It is imperative that a peaceful solution to the crisis in the region is sought. Further, the situation in Kashmir must be resolved from a human rights perspective and the people of Kashmir must be assisted in achieving peace and safety in their own homeland. It is noted that counselors and psychologists can play a role in bringing about peace using worldview research, and Carl Rogers' model of conflict resolution. KEY WORDS: peace; rogers; worldview; role of counselors. PEACE FOR KASHMIR: WHAT ARE THE POSSIBILITIES?The people of Kashmir have lived in utter misery for over half a century due to the constant state of siege and war and neglect by the United Nations and the superpowers of the world. Massacres, rapes, mutilation of bodies, rampant abuse, abject poverty, and a constant state of war and terror exists (Fai, 2002a). There is no hue and cry in the world, because the people of this land do not have the money to advocate for their plight. The media has not focused on the plight of the Kashmiri people. We are all responsible for not focusing on how to bring peace to this region. Psychology has significant knowledge and counselors are trained in conflict resolution yet no movement has been taken by our profession to address the humanitarian concerns in Kashmir.

Peace psychology in Kashmir: Reflections of a frontline practitioner.

“…Located in the far north of India sharing borders with Pakistan and China, Kashmir is one of the most militarized regions in the world where constant killings, human rights violations, and direct violence, have become the daily “normal”. The search for peace and Azaadi (freedom) remain ever elusive (Ibrahim, 2005). Decades-long political-armed conflict, human rights violations, forced disappearances, internet suspensions, and limited freedom of speech, expression, and movement—have led to high levels of distress, fear, trauma, drug-menace, unemployment and economic crisis.…”